VITAMIN B1

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Vitamin B1 also, known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is one of eight essential B vitamins that has many important functions in the body.

Thiamine plays a crucial role in the growth and function of various cells. A daily intake of thiamine-rich foods is needed since only a small amount is stored in the liver. The vitamin has a short half-life, so a continuous supply of foods rich in vitamin B1 is required from the diet.

Why is Vitamin B1 essential for the human body?

Thiamine plays an important metabolic role in the cellular production of energy, mainly in glucose metabolism. It helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart and muscles.

Vitamin B1 also plays a vital role as a non-metabolic function related to nerve transmission.

What is the daily requirement of Vitamin B1 or thiamine?

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) as prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is as follows:

What are the signs and symptoms of Thiamine deficiency?

Although thiamine deficiency is uncommon, conditions such as heavy alcohol intake or old age can increase the risk of deficiency. Vitamin B1 deficiency is difficult to identify as it can present itself in various ways, and symptoms are often nonspecific.

The most common symptom of B1 deficiency is beriberi, which is characterized by peripheral neuropathy. People with this condition have impaired sensory, motor, and reflex functions. In rare cases, beriberi causes congestive heart failure that leads to edema in the lower limbs and, occasionally, death. Administration of supplemental thiamine cures beriberi.

A more common manifestation of thiamine deficiency is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This disorder is about 8–10 times more common in people with chronic alcoholism than other people. It can also develop in patients who have severe gastrointestinal disease or HIV/AIDS.

The following groups are among those most likely to have inadequate Vitamin B1 status:

–      People with alcohol dependence

–      People with HIV/AIDS

–      People with diabetes

–      People who have undergone bariatric surgery

–      Older adults.

What are the food sources of Vitamin B1?

Thiamine is present in many food products and, depending on the amount of vitamin present it is categorized as rich, good, or fair sources:

Rich sources: Unpolished rice, wheat germ, dried yeast, yeast extract.

Good sources: Whole cereals, whole wheat, millets, raw and hand-pounded or parboiled rice, pulses, soybean, dried beans, oilseeds, and nuts.

Fair sources: Meat, fish, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits.

Can having an excess of thiamine lead to toxic effects?

Thiamine toxicity is not a problem because the excretion rate from the kidney is rapid.

It is unlikely to reach a toxic level of this vitamin from food sources alone. In the setting of very high intakes, the body will absorb less of the nutrient and flush out any excess amount through the urine. There is no established toxic level of thiamine.

Thiamine is destroyed at high temperatures or prolonged cooking time. It also leaches into the water and can be lost in any cooking or soaking water that is discarded.

It may also be removed during food processing, such as refined white bread and rice. Therefore, thiamine is added back to many food products that have undergone processing.